#23 - Jonathan Marchant, Head Snr School Epsom College Malaysia

Welcome back to Destination Education! I’m your host, Ruth Benny, and today we are joined by a guest who brings a fascinating "full circle" perspective to the world of international schooling. Jonathan Marchant, Head of Senior School at Epsom College Malaysia, joins us fresh off the plane to discuss the evolving landscape of boarding, the power of history in developing legal minds, and why the "destination" of university is only one part of the student journey. Jonathan’s career has taken him from a state comprehensive in the UK to teaching in Japan, and through some of the most prestigious institutions in Britain—including Cheltenham Ladies' College and Fettes College—before landing in Malaysia. In this episode, we dive deep into the "360-degree" view that boarding schools offer, the introduction of innovative new pathways like the IB Career-related Programme, and the real talk on managing social media and AI in the classroom. "In a boarding house, you aren't just marking books and saying goodnight. You are seeing the students in their full dimension—how they socialize, how they handle pressure, and who they really are. That insight enriches the guidance we give them for life." — Jonathan Marchant Grab a cup of tea ☕️ and enjoy this insightful conversation! Why Listen? The Boarding Advantage: Learn why Jonathan believes boarding schools offer a "360-degree" understanding of a child that day schools simply can't match. Beyond the Grades: Discover why "no surprises" communication between schools and parents is the secret to a stress-free results day. A-Levels vs. IB: Get an expert's take on which curriculum truly serves the STEM student versus the all-rounder. Innovation in Malaysia: Hear about Epsom’s new IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) and how it’s opening doors to top universities through project-based learning. The "Lawyer’s Secret": Find out why Jonathan argues that History is actually the best preparation for a career in law. The Tech Tug-of-War: Honest insights on the "default positions" schools should take regarding social media and smartphone use for younger students. Chapter List 00:00 Introduction: From UK Comprehensive to Global Educator 02:08 The "Full Circle" Journey: Teaching in Japan 03:20 History as a Skill: Preparing the Lawyers of Tomorrow 05:40 The Single-Sex vs. Co-ed Debate 09:52 The 360-Degree View: Why Boarding is Unique for Teachers 12:14 Parent-School Partnerships: Moving Beyond "No News is Good News" 14:27 The Art of the University Reference: Standing Out in 160 Applications 16:56 Managing Expectations: The "No Surprises" Mantra for Results Day 23:56 Creating "Esprit de Corps" in a Global Boarding Community 27:38 Bringing British Standards to a Malaysian Context 29:50 A-Levels vs. IB: Navigating the Choice for STEM Students 33:30 The Future of Epsom: Introducing the IB Career-related Pathway (IBCP) 37:12 Entrepreneurship and Alternative Routes to Success 42:25 The Big Three Issues: AI, Social Media, and Project-Based Learning 49:44 Final Thoughts: Why You Have to See it for Yourself Resources & Links For more resources related to today’s episode and others, visit www.topschoolsadmissions.com Connect with Epsom College Malaysia: Visit www.topschoolsadmissions.com/epsom-college-malaysia to enquire about Epsom College Malaysia via our exclusive link and start exploring your child's future today. Follow Destination Education: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destination_education_uk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@devodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/destinationeducationUk Work with Us: Watch our FREE Masterclass on UK Boarding Schools and request a consultation here: https://www.topschoolsadmissions.com/UKBoardingSchools/